The bristle-haired Novak Djokovic defeated Muhammad Ali-lookalike Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(2) in the final on Sunday night at the Australian Open, ending the streak of 11 straight Slams won by either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.

Tsonga hit an amazing sequence of shots to steal the first set, but Djokovic settled down after tournament officials were forced to quell rowdy French fans seated behind the Serb’s family box.

“You feel the expectations and pressure, so I’m very happy with the way I dealt with the pressure,” Djokovic said. “Coming on against a player with nothing to lose — he was going for the shots and he was very dangerous, especially in the first set — I was pretty nervous.”

After championship point Djokovic fell on his back, shook hands with Tsonga and put his arm around the Frenchman, got on his knees and kissed the court, shook hands with his family, then tossed rackets into the stands.

“First, before I thank everybody in this world, I want to thank everybody in my box, who’ve supported me all the way through, not just these two weeks, all the way in my life,” Djokovic said to the crowd. “Thank you very much, I love you…I know the crowd wanted him to win more. That’s OK, it’s all right. I still love you guys, don’t worry. I’m very, very happy that I won my first Grand Slam here, so hopefully we’ll see you here on this stage a lot more often in the future.”

Tsonga entered the event ranked outside the Top 35, and is still looking for his first tournament title.

“I don’t know if I have to be sad or happy of this final, but I feel great,” Tsonga said. “I’m happy for Novak, because he played unbelievable today…Not everybody can beat players who I beat. It’s very difficult, and I did it, so of course, I’m confident now.”

Tsonga will crack the Top 20 come Monday when the ATP Rankings are released.

81 Comments for Djokovic Beats Tsonga in Aussie Final to Begin New Era

sensationalsafin Says:

I hope this “new era” doesn’t mean the “Djokovic Era”. I like Djokovic and he is definetly the best hard court player right now, but that’s the problem. I feel like he might become the next Federer. He’s great on all surfaces. At the age of 20 he’s reached 4 straight semis and 2 straight slams. Not even Nadal has reached all 4 semis yet. And Djokovic is confident, he’s pretty fit, and he is just a great player. And now that he’s an official slam champion, there’s really no debate about how great he will become. He has accomplished everything people expected him to do. He dethroned Federer, won his first slam, beat everyone he should have. Who said he was gonna go through a sophmore slump? He’s not Berdych or Gasquet, he’s living all the way up to his and everyone’s expectations. So that’s where the problem lies, he has the potential to become just as dominant as Federer was. Maybe even more dominant considering the way he put a beat down on Federer. I garuntee the next time he faces Nadal he’ll demolish him, too (unless it’s on clay of course). We all criticize Federer for being too good, I hope the same doesn’t happen to Djokovic.

If the Djoker does become dominant, I can’t see it happening right away. First of all, Federer will come back stronger, I would think, in the first hard court MS events. In addition, there’s Tsonga, Murray and other contenders that may hit their stride if they settle down mentally as Djoker has proven he can do.

Djoker’s game is so interesting because it is not “flashy” like Federer, as well as Tsonga, can be; yes, he’s a GREAT shot-maker, but overall his play well-rounded and consistent. What also struck me in both the Tsonga & Federer victories was how patient Djoker was, waiting for his chances (a Federer trait of yore), and how focused he remained in tight spots. He did very well in both regards. In addition, the Djoker was fantastic at the net against Tsonga winning something like 80% of attempts!!! He robbed the net from him by keeping the Frenchman deep and then finishing his points very effectively at net when he got the chance.

Nadal’s problem on hard courts remains his court positioning; he stayed back in the “Melbourne” letters, and therefore left Tsonga with a lot of short balls which he capitalize on at the net. Djoker never does that and so I agree with you sensationalsafin that Djoker will likely overtake Rafa or certainly beat him in their hard court matches.

I am interested to see what happens in the clay season: will Rafa still dominate? Will Djoker, Tsonga, Nalby challenge him? Will Federer make it to another RG final?

I’ve said it before and will say it again, Djokovic is an unbelievably rapid learner. However, as he says, he’s not in a hurry. He’s proven himself now.

I’m still not sold on Djokovic’s fitness yet. In that 4th set both he and Tsonga were having some ‘issues’ and I can’t remember a tournament that Djokovic has played in which he hasn’t called for a trainer. And look what happened to him in the Master’s Cup after a long season. He fizzled out.

I guess we take things for granted like how Nadal and Federer were still playing great and moving fantastic in that almost 6 hour Rome final on clay; The longer the season goes, the more expectations people have on Djokovic, the more pressure he will be under.

Like the saying goes – it’s easier to get to the top than to stay there. It will be interesting to see how Djokovic react to being the favorite now.

It’s easy to put everything in the first tournament, but can he keep this level up throughout the year? I mean he was toast by the time the Master’s Cup came around and I’ve seen problems with his body breaking down early in 2008.

But for all you fans who say the king is dead, long live the new king (as Djokovic’s mom said)… I say don’t give up on either Roger or Nadal too soon. It’s a long year.

I was glad for Novak that he won, and I thin we as fans won as well – the tennis we have been treated to has been fantastic. So many of the games had a “final” quality to them. I am grateful ESPN covered so many of them.

(I’m afraid I would have to agree with the comments below posted by people on the Yahoo board. The Aussie’s know arrogance when they see it. They were booing Djokovic through several of his matches even though he is was the underdog. and what was with ripping off his shirt after the Federer match? …and have you seen how he drops his towel in front of the ballboy when he goes to each end, while other players hand it over with some courtesy?? For the Djokovic lovers … you can have him, I for one like a winner that has some class! Give me anyone but this knob!)

Below are further comments posted by others on the Yahoo site:
Comments after the Djokovic-Federer Match
____________________________________________
Djokovic…what an arrogant s.o.b?
Just saw the post match conference. What an arrogant piece of crap Dorkovic is. Totally classless with no respect whatsoever for anyone. Total egomaniac. Lost all respect for him and I hope Tsonga serves the pr!ck up on a plate. If Dorkovic ever becomes #1 then tennis will take a big step backwards.
2 days ago
Report It

by El Capitan Member since:

I totally agree. He has not been in the profession long enough to have earned the right to talk as he does. Even guys like Nadal and Federer who have established themselves have the decency to be respectful when talking about their peers in public. This is exactly the type of player tennis, or any sport could do without.

Asker’s Comment: 100% agree. You look at players like Agassi, Sampras and Federer. Gracious losers and even more gracious winners. The disrespect he showed by barely acknowledging Federer in the post match press conference and then putting Tsonga down because he isnt ranked as high as him is classless
________________________________________________
Tennis Fan says: OK, I have said my piece. I like my Tennis … but you can have Djokovic!

C’mon guys! Roger was the one who said that his loss to Novak had not been important, and about the other loss to the same player he claimed it “insignificant”… Isn’t that a kind of arrogancy? I like to believe it is not, so I rather expect you people from here to be more patient and wait for your point to reply.

Please, Roger said he did not care who wins the final and that is class! He is a guy who is faking class, it is the beginning of a new era so accept it! Novak will become the number one in the world by the end of the year and that is a fact.

I’m still not sold on Djokovic’s fitness yet. In that 4th set both he and Tsonga were having some ‘issues’ and I can’t remember a tournament that Djokovic has played in which he hasn’t called for a trainer. And look what happened to him in the Master’s Cup after a long season. He fizzled out.

i agree. look at the epileptic state he got into trying to close out ferrer. if that match would have gone 5 sets….

RE:

If Djokovic plays his cards right, he could be the next Michael Chang.

and that made me laugh out loud!

too bad he met federer in the semis this year – if it would have been the final, i have a feeling the result would have been different.

lots has been said about this year being a good chance for roger to finally win RG? thoughts????

I often think Djokovic is a hit-or-miss player from tournament to tournament, but his recent display of consistently good attack/defense on big points has me reconsidering his future impact.
I’m not worried about Federer. He’ll be fine.

I’m not worried about Federer. Not yet, anyway. I just think that as Federer continues in his decline in form, Djokovic will only get better. I really don’t expect Federer to be number 1 in 2 years but Djokovic will only be 22, 23 years old at that time, which will give him plenty of time to have his own Federer-esque era of dominance. I really doubt what Federer did can be repeated. Less than 10 wins in 4 consecutive years. I mean sure Djokovic can pull that off once in a while, but like someone mentioned, there are plenty of players who can challenge him. But he has beaten all of his would-be challengers.

He does hit the down-the-line shots well doesn’t he? His ground game is really solid. There aren’t any real weaknesses to exploit. I think that’s why he has played Fed so well the last few times they’ve played. Fed’s an expert at making you pay for your own inadequacies. But, Djokovic isn’t more error prone on one witn or the other. He is quite fast out there. He is accurate and has good power. And his serve is really underrated. Quite deceptive. In the ad court, he can hot it out wide or up the tee. Even for Federer, that’s a lot to keep track of. As someone said in another thread, if Djok is playing well, Fed won’t beat if he is not. And the confidence Djok has gained will enable him to hang with Fed in the tight moments. This should be an interesting year. I still expect Fed to be No.1 by year end but I don’t think he’ll really build Mo’ until after RG. I expect Rafa to crank it up a notch and win his 4th consecutive FO. I think Fed will put the hammer down at the AELTC and win his 6th Wimbledon and then tie Sampras’ major count in New York. And I think Fed will give Switzerland a gold in Beijing (assuming he can handle the polluted Chinese Air) for a couple of weeks.

I don’t really see Djokovic having a run of dominance like Federer. For one, I don’t think his game is set up for this kind of dominance. Fed has a really free flowing, almost ease about his game. It doesn’t seem all that physically draining. Djokovic grinds a little more so his game seems a little less portable over the long haul. The only thing that might give Djok a chance at a long period of dominance is his serve. He does serve better than many of the great baseliners of the past.

“(I’m afraid I would have to agree with the comments below posted by people on the Yahoo board. The Aussie’s know arrogance when they see it. They were booing Djokovic through several of his matches even though he was the underdog. and what was with ripping off his shirt after the Federer match? …and have you seen how he drops his towel in front of the ballboy when he goes to each end, while other players hand it over with some courtesy?? For the Djokovic lovers … you can have him, I for one like a winner that has some class! Give me anyone but this knob!)”

I agree with you all the way 100 per cent. I waited to post my comments, because I wanted to be sure I was not being too critical or maybe my eyes were clouding my judgment.

My choice was Tsonga. He has better breeding and class and, this is debatable, has a better game, serve, ground strokes and stamina.

You can see the difference in both players behavior, just look at the two player’s boxes. On one side there was an enthusiastic French family, quietly giving some fist pumps and some right hooks trying to pump up their son, after he won the first set. And, in the other box, there was a loud, over demonstrative family, standing and making a lot of noise by chanting his nickname and clapping. Not to mention the shirts spelling out his name. However, when the Aussies became loud and rooted against Djok his mother complained. Who started all of the commotion. Djok’s family with their chanting and loud noise making and clapping every time Tsonga made an error. And, Djok with his gestures to the fans, shaking his racquet at them and wagging his finger. He was also shouting, but I don’t know his language, so I could not understand, but from his demeanor, I don’t think it was something good,such as I love you.

I think Tsonga was very nervous and did not go up to the net, which was what he did in the Nadal match. He let Djokovic dictate play. He was not serving very well. I suppose it could be not being accustomed to the big stage. He’ll learn.

Tennis Fan mentioned: “You look at players like Agassi, Sampras and Federer. Gracious losers and even more gracious winners. The disrespect he showed by barely acknowledging Federer in the post match press conference and then putting Tsonga down because he is’nt ranked as high as him is classless.”

Djok is a joke, and a classless jerk. I suppose he has selective memory about his lower ranking about 18 months ago when he was not ranked as high as he is now. Why would someone even make such a remark? Because his is devoid of class, tact and is ill-bred.

Djok’s mother is a pistol, wow, I would not like to get into an argument with her. Is there any wonder from whom or where he gets his arrogance, and the spouting off of his idiotic speech.

I was not at all surprised that he took a medical time-out, I just wondered when he would do it. Isn’t it amazing that he had a medical problem just after that long point at the end of the 3rd set when he became tired and winded? It was even more ridiculous that he obviously was not in any sort of pain, he was just sitting there relaxing and having a conversation with the trainer. And, what’s more amazing he was just sprinting around after the rub down by the trainer. Pam Shriver reported that she asked the trainer what was wrong and he mentioned that it was nothing much just a tight muscle.

Tsonga was very irritated by Djok’s many ball bounces, and the time in between points, He mentioned to the umpire that because of the many ball bounces he did not know how to get ready for the serve. His annoyance got the better part of him and he did not play well after he complained. I think Tsonga would have won the 4th set had it not been for that time-out.

I do not understand why the umpire did not take control of the crowd. I never heard him ask the crowd to be quiet. He just allowed the crowd to make as much noise as they wanted. I know Lars Graf or Norm Christ would not have allowed it.

I don’t think there should be any concern that Djok would be completely dominant as Federer is. Djok has too many fitness problems and he is also very inconsistent. With him it’s going to be an in and out sort of ranking. I hope he is fit this year, or else he might end up at Tsonga’s present ranking. Maybe some sort of Poetic justice?

It’s hard to predict things in sports. Anything can happen on any given day, but I know Federer has the ability to put any player in danger on clay, including Nadal. I say he focus mainly on clay tournaments and Wimbledon for the next couple of years. He doesn’t need a calendar slam, just one French title. A calendar slam will probably never happen again because tennis, physically, is far tougher now than the Budge or Laver days. Laver is listed as having won at least 184 career singles titles. Those types of stats will never come around again in men’s tennis. There’s just no way! There’s no longer a constant factor, not even the surfaces.

The people who are saying that Djokovic is arogant and that Federer is respectful to other players they must have been joking. Federer is most arogant person on the tour, had no respect to anyone when he loost his maches in the past. And I just can not see why someone can dislike djokovic who is good player, cheerful, happy, and is just living his dream and behaving not perfect but like every other twenty year old. And I cant recall djoka say bad word about anyone while i can recall federer criticise other players in the past.

I’d like to repeat how well Djok played at the net against Federer but particularly against Tsonga; I don’t think he’s going to remain a “baseliner” per se. He hired a volley coach in the middle of last year and has always said how he admires both Edberg’s and Sampras’s styles. I’ve even read some talk of Djok getting Johnny Mac to help him with his volley game.

If he does this -and continues to evolve his allcourt game- I can see him lasting for the long haul. Shortening his matches and points will help with his fitness, as is already evident this tournament. I suspect he’ll do what he has to to get over the breathing issues, and the hamstring call was nothing out of the ordinary, no different than Federer having his big toe tended to during the Tipsy match.

And the long haul for Djok, I predict, will not be like for Chang either: the Djoker will win more than one slam, you can count on it, whether you like him or not people. Djoker has already reached 4 GS semis and won one. In Chang’s entire 15 year career he won 1 GS title, reached 3 finals and 4 GS semis never getting past the quarters on grass, which, of course, Djok has already surpassed.

you have no right to judge his mother and his family who do you think you are his mother. His mother is very nice person I have even met her onceso yoy do not have right to do that. First look at your perents and your mother and ask yourself how would they behave if you would have played the final instead of him.

I do think it’s kind of non-sensical to carve up Djok and say he has no class. Let’s face it. Fed is far from a gracious loser. And he’s pretty self-promoting in his own right. Only his own dominance has enabled him to get away with it.

The classiest guy on tour is Rafael Nadal. Nobody empties their bucket more. And no one is more gracious, win or lose, than Rafa. He appreciates every moment out there and he always remembers that it’s the fans that make him rich. Nadal would hold the No.1 ranking with more class and distinction than any other player out there. Unfortunately, his game kind of limits how high he can go. I truly hope that for one season, Rafa can close at No.1. It would be a tribute to what unshakable nerve and hard work can accompish.

Anyway, let’s give Djok a chance to grow a little. He is only 20. Agassi evolved quite a bit over his career. I do believe that some swagger is required if a player is going to get to the top of their sport. I don’t think Federer or Sampras or Laver ever think (or thought) they would lose a match when they step on a court. It’s part of an elite athlete’s psyche. Djok, and his family, will learn to tone it down a bit.

Those are measured and sound comments about, as you put it, “carving up” Djokovic. I also agree with you about Rafa. I’d love to see him sit at the top for a while; he deserves it. Maybe he’ll win on grass this year and surprise everyone.

It would be nice to see Nadal win at Wimbeldon wouldn’t it? He works so damned hard and he has already been so close. I’ve really gained an appreciation for the guy. I will never forget the match in Rome with him and Federer 2 years ago. Even a break down in the 5th, he just battled and battled until he wore Fed down. Somehow, it would be unjust for such a great champion to never taste being the year end No.1. If he could get Wimbledon and RG in the same year and have a strong beginning of the season, he could make it happen. The physicality of his game does tend to wear him down by the end of the year.

Djokovic is still young, which means he’s still somewhat of a mama’s boy. And his mom is a b*tch. I mean WOW! But in a few years he’ll outgrow her and become his own person. And I think he will be a more gracious person.

Federer really isn’t as much of a sore loser as you say. He’s only been self promoting the last couple of years because people keep criticizing him. I’m sure the other players aren’t making it up when they say he’s a nice guy. But he’s been extremely grumpy the last few months and with good reason. For everything he’s accomplished he’s still being criticized as if though he’s Tomas Berdych or something. Now there’s a guy who deserves some harsh criticism, not Federer.

Regarding your views on Djoker’s class (or lack thereof) and personality, I’ll bow out. Same with the comments about his fitness and his family.

But this comment, “he is also very inconsistent,” just simply doesn’t hold true. The guy has been on a consistent rise up the rankings for 2 years, and was consistent in the juniors. He has also show nothing but consistency, reaching all GS semis, meaning he can be consistent on ALL surfaces, unlike many players. As I pointed out to andrea elsewhere, he fizzled out only for the Paris tournament and the MC, the 2 final events of last year, due to burn out. But he’s already mentioned he’s going to adjust his schedule and that he’s learned from the results of those 2 events. His match play, in addition, is very consistent; sure there are ups and downs and momentum changes in most matches (but not all – he whipped through a lot of his matches at the AO), like for every player, but I would argue that he’s a very consistent player overall, in terms of the tour, his results and his match play. So without wanting to inspire your anger, I just want to beg to differ here.

I remember Sampras being a pretty under appreciated champion. He didn’t wear the euro-trash white jacket during the Wimbledon ceremonies. he didn’t have little trophy counts on his shoes. you have to comfortable in your own skin don’t you? Let’s face it. when you get as much exposure as Fed does, some of it will invariably be negative. but, listening to commentators and ex-player talk about fed, many of them call him the best ever already. he doesn’t have to , nor should he feel that has to justify his place in history. it’s well secured no matter what happens from here.

Perhaps, Fed has a little bit of Lendl in him. This slight feeling of insecurity about himself. This need that he always has to prove that he is the greatest ever. He should spend less time worrying about it. Maybe that’s why he’s been a grump. You can only control what you do. Sampras and Laver didn’t give a flying damn about what the press said because they understood that no matter what you do or how well you do it, if your famous, somebody is going to find a way to point out your flaws.

Maybe Djoker is a “mama’s boy” although I won’t comment on his mother, as I don’t know her and haven’t heard her interviewed or whatever; at the same time, though, I think part of the reason Djok is where he is right now is *because* of his close knit family. He’s clearly got the kind of solid support most players need – in his family and his coaching team.

But you’re right that he’ll pull away as he grows more into himself.

What I want to know is when will Sharapova pull away from Yuri? Good Lord!

Federer still has between 4 and 6 majors left in him. And when he’s done, he will set the standard for excellence in tennis. And it will be a bar won’t be passed for a very long time.

This guy is a true tennis genius. To steal a quote, “Reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated”. Perhaps, the First Act of his career is done. And perhaps his Second Act won’t be quite as dominant as his first. But, if The Second Act of his career is filled with winning and drama, may yet define his legacy. Sampras won his very last major. If Pete hadn’t have done this, I think his legacy would have been viewed differently. I’m willing to bet there will some kind of defining moment in the 2nd half of Fed’s career that will somewhat parallel to Pete’s accomplishment.

Maybe this loss by Fed will be an eye-opener. Losing a match you’re expected to win in a major does happen now and again. It just hadn’t happened to Fed for a long time. He hasn’t faced much adversity in his career. Maybe he needs some. Some hungry young dogs nipping at his heels WILL motivate him. It has to. He’s a great champion and great champions never run from a fight. They revel in the process and in the battle itself. I think Fed will pick his spots a little more. I don’t expect to see the 85-4 (or something like that) seasons from him. I think he will play a little less and focus on his goals.

Who do you think is gonna win the final? I dont care.
Are you gona wacth the final? No I wont.

Can someone tell me where is the class in these answers.
Maybe he thinks that the tornament should stop once he loses it. Give me a break djokovic has lot more class than this man. Even though i agree that he is best tennis player this sport has ever seen

Fed is a little ungracious in defeat. I think he will handle it a little more gracefully in the future because frankly, he’s probably going to lose a few more matches here and there. And like most great champions, he will be more appreciated when people being to realize that they won’t get the opportunity to watch him play for much longer. That being said, he should be a little more diplomatic with his answers. Even saying, “This loss really hurts right now. I’m not sure I can watch the match right now so soon after the loss.” At least it’s honest. And it doesn’t give the press anywhere to go.

“Totally agree with you! Although I think Djoko will stay with high rank for at least 5-6 years.”

Thank you. At least someone understands what I am saying.

Jane: You stated: “Regarding your views on Djoker’s class (or lack thereof) and personality, I’ll bow out. Same with the comments about his fitness and his family.” Don’t bow out, please state your views, it’s not like I am going to be having dinner with you and it would make you feel uneasy. You’ve pretty much spoken your views in many ways, why not now.

“But this comment, “he is also very “inconsistent,” just simply doesn’t hold true.”

It does hold true. His record speaks for itself. Even if he has been on the rise, he won at Montreal and then goes out in the first round at Cincy. Is that consistency. What about Bercy, and the TMC? That’s consistency. Ok he did’nt have any medical time-outs at the AO until the final, right after a long point. Good for him. That’s how it should be.

He’ll adjust his schedule,is that going to help his calculated injury time-outs? Let’s get some realistic views. How could a player have an injury time-out 3 minutes ago for muscle pain and then begins sprinting around after? He acknowledged after Federer commented on what Fed terms “faked injuries”, that he used to do that but not anymore. He NEVER stopped.

I would have liked to see how the AO finals would have ended had he not taken that injury timeout. Really.

Someone mentioned Federer took a timeout for a toe injury. I don’t think there’s even a comparison here. Fed does not have many injury time-outs. Probably 1 in 3 months. And, there are several others who do NOT exploit the injury tim-outs. THIS GUY IS A PRO.

“In Chang’s entire 15 year career he won 1 GS title, reached 3 finals and 4 GS semis never getting past the quarters on grass, which, of course, Djok has already surpassed.”

I hope you are not associating me with this comment. I stated “SHE WAS A PISTOL” Pistol meaning she fires out her comments similar to how a pistol would fire shots. If you think I made that comment, please show me where. That’s why they referred to Sampras as “Pistol Pete,” he fired off his racquet like a pistol.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

There were many posts in respone to my comments on Djok. What I find disconcerting is the fact of how fickle some of you are. On one thread you say something,and on another thread you say something totally different. It almost seems like you change according to the theme of the comments you read.

I am not going to get into picking out pertinent comments and presenting them here, I am sure you all know who you are.

I also made the toe comparison with Djok’s hamstring time out – the comparison was not to suggest that Djok has not called his fair share of trainers – I’ve acknowledged on other threads that he has abused this in the past. However, I though the hamstring timeout was comparable to Fed’s as both were warranted and both were at late stages in the match, when there is bound to be wear and tear. Pam Shriver was court side and saw when Djok tweaked his hamstring stretching on a volley; she also said his left leg takes a lot of strain when he serves and she talked, I think it was to Djok’s trainer, who confirmed the trainer was called simply to loosen that muscle. It was pretty clear that Djok was trying to end points quickly after he tweaked that muscle. I agree with you that he has abused timeouts in the past, but I thought that was a fair one, and that he did a better job this tournament, which is, as you say, it should be. I hope he can continue to strengthen and improve his fitness.

“Don’t bow out, please state your views, it’s not like I am going to be having dinner with you and it would make you feel uneasy. You’ve pretty much spoken your views in many ways, why not now.”

Okay fair enough:

1. Well, about his lack of class/personality; I have already stated on other threads that I agree he can seem cocky sometimes and that I think he’ll learn to temper his remarks in press conferences. Yet I also think, like some others have said, that a certain amount of cockiness has helped him overcome the hurtle of beating Federer, with a certain kind of belief in his abilities. He is overly vocal though and needs to be more careful about his words and actions – on the court and off. On the other hand, I like the joker / actor side of him (he’s not super “professional” and kind of puts it all out there, which is kind of refreshing) and I definitely admire his determination.

2. I’ve also already commented on his family on another thread: I like their boisterousness and undying support; I read about how they’ve rented a place in Australia and cook and play cards together at night and it just seems nice to me. I do think, however, that some of their antics in the box are too much.

3. I’ve commented on Djok’s fitness here and elsewhere; I know his breathing issues are sincere and I see improvements in terms of how he deals with time outs.

I think he’s young and ambitious and he’s learning the ins and outs on what’s acceptable and not. Bonnie Ford at ESPN said something like Djok talks brash, but not trash – i.e., he’s backed up pretty much every claim he’s made. I think there’s an element of truth to this.

Anyhow this is probably way too long. Apologies for making your eyes sore!

I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree on the Djoker. I like him and think he’s a consistent, talented, exciting & fun young player.”

We will certainly have to do that. I am sorry I DON’t like him. Never have, I can’t say never will, because I don’t have a crystal ball. so only time will tell.

You did’nt address his box’s behavior. I encouraged you to do so.

Sorry folks, I guess I am just a British upbringing fuddy-duddy. I like class, style, elegance, and impeccable manners. This guy and his family don’t cut it for me.

I knew the Aussies would boo him, they have British roots and they don’t understand or like such behavior. They’ll boo him next year too. I don’t suppose you saw when the Aussie official spoke to Djok’s father in reference to the problem, Djok’s father just brushed the guy aside with his hand. I’ll say this much for Federer’s family, I have NEVER seen such a display from his family at any of his tournaments.

I call a spade a spade. As the old Southern guy stated: I calls them as I sees them. Ditto here.

I must’ve replied the same time you were replying to me – haha. We’re a couple of bloggers – eh? (see above re: family box)

I like class to a degree, but not when it’s too fuddy-duddy. I’d rather go to a rock concert than an opera for instance; I like a lively bunch of folks. The Djokers just seem like an emotional bunch; in fact all the Serb players do, although Tipsy reigns it in much more than the others. But I like the varying styles and personalities of players. I like em most with some pizazz.

Jane,
You do not have to apologize to Von about your Michal Chang stat. You are right and he is wrong that Chang had only one GS in his life. Here is the correct stat from ITF site (ITF runs Grand Slams, not ATP). Chang’s Grand Slam Record goes as follows:
(1) French Open – Winner (1989)
(2) Wimbledon – Quarterfinals (1994)
(3) French Open – Finals (1995).
(4) Australian Open – Finals (1996).
(5) US Open – Finals (1996).

I forgot to mention two things earlier. One, no reigning number 1 player in tennis history has ever said that, after losing in the Semi of the same event, he will not care who will win the Slam and he will not watch the GS final not even on TV.

Two, while I never saw Federer applauding his opponent’s shot in any of the 14 Grand Slam Finals, Djoko did twice in the AO alone(once at 6th deuce in the 9th game of the 3rd set, and again 3rd game of the 4t set). Compare Djoko’s appreciation of Tsonga after the win and Federer’s about his opponent after any GS Final.

Despite there are still a few people here who show unreasonable distaste for Djoko, the pro-establishment and status quo people, I am glad to see Djoko’s supporters are growing. Last year, I was almost alone to like his challenge to Fed’s lopsided dominance. Guys, Fed was a champion of the past era, pre-2008 like Sampras was in the 90′s, but I doubt Fed will have 1 Slam a year for another 5-6 years. Perhaps it is still better that Fed “was” more like Bjorn Borg: too many slams in the shortest span of time in the tennis history. I was a member of Fed fan club and still am but just do not like to see his or anyone’s dominance for a long time. The same will apply to Djoko, too. I can bear with him for 2-3 years. I don’t mind Fed adding a couple more GS to his record in the next 4-5 years, but we need to learn to accept that he will never be the 2006 Fed who had 93-5. That Fed is a thing of the past that we can only be nostalgic about.

Oh please guys. It’s too much that people won’t leave Federer alone wondering whether he’s the best ever or not. Djokovic is a great tennis player, has done well, and just be happy for him. Personally I like him a lot. Maybe he’s a bit moody, but which of us is perfect? I think it’s great the way his family works together, and I thought his comments were very gracious. Honest, yes, but gracious. =)

Djok is certainly more consistent unlike Baghdatis, Gasquet.. thats the reason for his success. Even though i dont like his arrogance and cockiness (even more his family), he sure was pretty dominant this tournament against all players.. and i did like his defensive and offensive skills.. especially against Tsonga. Only thing is if he can keep this high level of play for years to come. His style of play though is not injury-free like Fed.. he does waste a lot of energy out there and the way he slides on the hard courts is somewhat similar to Nadal.. and is bound to cause injuries. I havent seen Fed sliding on hard courts or grass like that.

Now the difference in points between No 1, 2 and 3 is under 1500 points. Fed can gain some points in Indian wells and Miami. But the No 1 this year is a 3-horse race. Nadal is a fighter and i sure would like to see him gain the No 1 for a few months. It would only renew the fire in belly for Federer once he falls from No 1.. and try to regain it… or he might just choose to concentrate on tournaments which are dear to him.

Jane.. Djok is not a natural volleyer .. like say Fed or Tsonga.. or even Gasquet to an extent. He does a good job.. no question.. but i dont think he can be a very good net player.Lendl tried his best to become a good volleyer.. in order to win wimbledon.

Shital.. Djoker is a person who is attention seeking. he was doing all those fancy stuff about imitating players to grab the audience attention and appreciation so that he would get as much crowd support. When people started to support Tsonga he was totally pissed off. Did you see him applcaud Tsonga’s brilliance when he was down… he only applauded when he was a set and a break against Tsonga. I dont think its a genuine appreciation..it looks totally fake to me. Even though he is a great player.. he appears totally fake to me. he could be a nice politician.

Before you jump into this friendly banter/argument I have with Jane, with your feet first, please be apprised of the follwing:

♦ I am Not a man, I am a woman
♦ Myself and Jane agree to disagree, it’s not war
♦ I am not a “Fed” fan I am a “Roddick” fan
♦ Jane is right I am wrong, Chang was a Champion
at RG and A finalist ’95- I read the ATP stats
I believe Courier was the ’95 Champion, the
ATP stats are incorrect.

You claim you were alone backing Djok, I am alone backing Roddick, although, Jane does lend her support. I have to be quiet about Roddick and I have learnt to accept the posts. I am sometimes bellicose, but that’s when I feel enough said. When I originally began to post, I was horrified that I was not allowed to write anything without being ridiculed. I had to learn and accept that it’s a one-way street, and to try to co-exist as it were. Do I like being pulled on the carpet to do a Q and A test, no. But, I like tennis so I have learnt to adapt.

I am also in favor of variety. I am always stating I want to see change, not utter dominance by one player, share the wealth sort of mentality.
I am sorry, but I stated my views about Djok’s family, that’s my opinion and my upbringing. You know, the “different strokes for different folks” sort of mentality.

I have always stated that I think of Federer as a Borg parallel. I did not like Borg and I don’t very much like Federer. I mentioned his family’s box behavior as a comparison to the Djok’s family behavior.

Djok started a lot of problems with his gesticulations and rude behavior toward the Aussies. Darren Cahill, a native Australian, stated before the finals that the Aussie crowd will not support the Djok because they are not accustomed to such behavior. I knew that they would be angry, they divorced themselves from the British but they are still steeped in British customs and there are some types of behavior they won’t accept.

Djok opened a Pandora’s box and the crowd’s reaction to him is a testimony to that. I am sure you know the phrase: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” He is just pushing it with his stupid behavior. His behavior/reputation precedes him.

As for Djok’s acknowledgement of Tsonga’s great play, I viewed it as an attempt to show the Aussie crowd that he was a good sport and to gain their favor. The 4th set applause is a joke. He broke the guy’s momentum after the 3rd set (Tsonga was beginning to play well again) by calling for a trainer and then throws him a morsel. That doesn’t cut it, at least not with me. I have a great amount of difficulty accepting the fact that he could not go on in the match without a medical time-out. However, that’s my opinion, that “Freedom Speech” thing. I believe had he not taken a medical time-out he would have lost the match. In a way, I feel Tsonga was robbed of a win.

Your statement: “..there are still a few people here who show unreasonable distaste for Djoko. My distate is not unreasonable, his behavior is downright rude. He couldn’t handle the repercussions. Don’t start a fire unless you have the water to extingush it.

Pure and simply stated, HE BEHAVED LIKE A JERK. I stated what I feel. You can accept it or ignore it. It’s up to you. You have already had your say.

Tejuz: You have it it on the head about seeking attention and playing the audience. He’ll make a good politician. After Tennis he could run for Mayor or whatever govenment post he would qualify for in Serbia, that’s if he would want to go back there and leave the glitz of Monaco behind. I trust him just like I trust the politicians.

for Von:
I have to say you are hartless woman, i am sorry.
I am a professional soccer player and the statemen – I feel Tsonga was robbed of a win.- could not be said by someone who has had ever played any kind of sport. That is so unsportsmen like thinking. Did you ever played any sports? The only important thing in sport is to win nothing else counts and if you are looser and are real sportsman you do not look for excuses like you did there. That is so funy. You are the one who schould go to polican forums because sport is not for you. You do not feel sports at all. Also Djokovic behavior when he is loosing points, wining points, acknowledgement of oponents great play, his familys joy of seing their loveone wining is so bloody totaly normal. You sould see my perents and myself celebrating the golls that i score it is so fucking normal. What is wrong with you lady. Why dont you like this bloke, tell the truth, because your distaste is unreasonable, his behavior is normal. Is it because he is from balkan bacause you brithis have this thing for them anyway.

P.s. deren Cahil is racist like you are, he is suprised how djokovic was chearing the crowed against australians in belgrade and he is comparing it to the AOpen and saying how crowd should be against him. Hay have you ever in you life watched an davis cup math this is happening all ower the world in australia and london too during this mathes. That is so normal. Why are you being unfair what is your problem be hapy for the young champion.
Yeah finally tsongas father boxing reaction when he won firts set was only unsportsmen like gesture during the math it is not a street fight it is a tenis match common be fair. please and sory for my speling and english as well.

I agree Djoker is not a “natural” volleyer, but he won 80% of points there against Tsonga, meaning he is highly competent. And if he continues to work and focus on that area, which I presume he will, I think he could become really good at net, which will mean shorter points and less wear on his body.

Of course, they LOVED this side of him in New York, to the degree that he was invited to dinner by Robert DeNiro and to the Met by an opera singer.

And they also liked this side of him in Oz. It was only during the Federer match where the crowd switched allegiance, perhaps because they were shocked to see Fed losing so badly and wanted to rally behind him. And as Mary Carillo pointed out, I think this surprised the Djoker because he’s so used to being the underdog and being liked by the crowd. It was also pointed out that the Aussies very much like the underdog, and so they rallied behind Tsonga – in addition to appreciating his fantastic, explosive style of play.

However, personally I don’t see Novak as disingenuous at all. He is nothing but candid in his interviews and in fact I would argue that it is his attribute of NOT being “fake” or “reserved” or “guarded” in his comments that what gets him into to trouble in the first place. He speaks his mind and wears his heart and feelings on his sleeve and sometimes this backfires. But I find him to be an honest, intelligent and funny young man – who is also a fantastic tennis player. He’s also astute enough to recognize what he needs to work on; the following is from an article I read:

“But he also recognises that when it comes to his on-court demeanour, there is more work to be done.

During Sunday’s final, Djokovic was upset the Melbourne Park crowd were cheering for Tsonga and booed him when he took nearly a minute between serves at a crucial part of the match.

He let out a few choice words in Serbian, and admitted he lost his head a little.

“This is something that you have got to fight against,” Djokovic said. “You just try to keep your head in the match.

“The crowd was more behind him. It’s understandable. Everybody has a right to decide who they are going to cheer for.

“He’s an attractive player. He’s a young one. He was unseeded coming to the finals. Obviously, they wanted to support him.”

These strike me as the comments of someone who is still learning but who is simultaneously more than willing to recognize his own weaknesses.

“That is so unsportsmen like thinking. Did you ever played any sports? The only important thing in sport is to win nothing else counts and if you are looser and are real sportsman you do not look for excuses like you did there. That is so funy..”

I had two options, one was to not dignify this trash you wrote, and, the other to answer you, which is what I am doing, at this moment.

In answer to your questions: Yes I played sports. I played soccer, rounders, (which is an English girls’game, similar to American Baseball), volley ball, and Lawn Tennis.

You state you are a soccer player, I’d like for you to answer this question, had Djokovic been playing soccer in front of a 15,000 crowd, would he be allowed to indulge in the type of behaviour he displayed and shout obscenities to the crowd? The answer is NO. He would have been given a penalty, fined, or thrown out of the match, and probably not allowed to play for 3 months.

You are writing nonsense. As for Soccer, my Father-in-law was an International Referee. My husband a Class D coach, and both of my children played in competitive under 16 soccer. I saw players thrown out of the match for just touching another player.

It is illogical to compare other sports to Tennis. Tennis is supposed to be a “Gentleman’s” sport. It is also an individual sport. I am amazed how far from the roots and beginnings of tennis the game has strayed away. But, that happens when different cultures are thrown together.

As for being heartless, I am not. It’s because I have a heart that is why I have sympathy for Tsonga. It was very unfair to him thathis momentum was broken by Djokovic when he had a medical time-out for an insignificant problem. I would have liked for the match to move on without Djok’s medical time-out and then we would have seen who was the better player that night. It was clear that Djokovic was struggling after that point. The medical time-out saved him.

You stated: “Hay have you ever in you life watched an davis cup math this is happening all ower the world in australia and london too during this mathes.”

I am glad you mentiond Davis Cup. I watch Davis Cup all of the time. Davis Cup is different. Tennis makes the transition from an individual sport to a team sport. There’s cheering and using noisemakers. When I saw the behaviour exhibited by Djokovic’s family and friends, I thought that somewhere in the recesses of their minds that they thought they were watching Davis Cup. To me, that was the only logical explanation for their loud, boisterous behavior. They behaved as though he was in overime play and each point had to be cheered.

You stated: “Yeah finally tsongas father boxing reaction when he won firts set was only unsportsmen like gesture during the math it is not a street fight it is a tenis match common be fair.”

It’s good that you mentioned that and also you stated it was only after he won the first set. The word “only,” is very important here. That was the only time Tsonga’s family showed their joy and cheering. The boxing antics I thought his father was saying to his son, keep on fighting. What was Djokovic’s family saying over, and over,and over, with their cheering and chanting on every point he won. Their behavior disturbed the Frech supporters, who were trying to enjoy their game. Was that fair. No.

Put yourself in Tsonga’s place, how would you have felt when Djokovic took a medical time-out, and subsequently lost the match. I felt that Djokovic’s timeout was unsportsmanlike. It is now a joke about his medical problems and the time-outs he takes. The other players don’t believe he is hurt, and it always seems to happen when he is feeling the pressure.

As for being a racist, I’m sorry to disappoint you, I am not one.

I have answered your questions and I hope that my answers were satisfactory to you. Enjoy your Soccer. Thank you.

Do you know how many soccer players take dive get the penalty and win the game. Common Maradona Sent you gays home by scoring a goal by the hand. And gues what he is still considered greatest soccer player ever. That is part of the game how cant you understend. There is a reff or umpire in tenis, he is there to give you card or warning so if he doesnt punish you and you win who cares you were inteligent enough to use the rules in your favor.
-Their behavior disturbed the Frech supporters, who were trying to enjoy their game. Was that fair.-From the moment tsonga steped on the court they were not trying to enjoj the game french suporters new what they neded to do, that is to deconcetrate djokovic and they behaved worst than djokovics family whene tsonge was winning his points. Do you have ears and ayes.

And you are right it is a gentlemens sport. And maybe he is not a gentelman but he belongs to 99% of population who are just normal not perfect but normal.So what should Bagdatis, Safin, Ivanisevic do, should they stop playing tennis, even though they are so talented so the people like you could enjoy it. Maybe i am an idiot but for me is much beter to watch djokovic play then wach federer show no emotions towards anyting but his hair.

I would suggest you stay in the kitchen. That’s the place you belong to (I doubt even this one). Forget about soccer, forget about tennis, you don’t sense it, you don’t understand it.

We got your point, you like Tsonga, you hate Djokovic. Please, refrain from making noise on this thread. Let the other people speak as they have something more interesting and smart to say. Please stop pouring your bitterness and behaving like a dumped edgy woman.

Djokovic is an honest young man with extraordinary tennis skills, big heart and respect for his colleagues. He is not faceless, emotionless skyborg. He is a hot-blooded Serbian who refuses to be intimidated by Federer or anybody else. He is not fake, he is genuine. Sometime he crosses the line with his overconfidence, but he is young, he’ll learn to adjust his comments and behavior for this British world of hypocrisy. He is a quick learner aware of his qualities and weak sides. He is growing as a tennis player and he will embrace new skills easily, net play on the first place. He will be around for some time as a significant contributor to the tennis world like Tsonga and other new players to come.

“I would suggest you stay in the kitchen. That’s the place you belong to (I doubt even this one). Forget about soccer, forget about tennis, you don’t sense it, you don’t understand it.”

You are being abusive. There’s nothing in my post that’s abusive, so do yourself a favor and learn to post in a more respectful manner. These sites are for people to agree and disagree or else very little will be written if all of the answers were to be “I agree, I love him, let’s have some more.” Is that what you want. Do yourself a favor and rise out of the mire and your hate for other countries. I do not dislike Serbians, I just dislike Djokovic. I have freedom of speech, if you don’t like what I write then that’s too bad.

“So what should Bagdatis, Safin, Ivanisevic do, should they stop playing tennis, even though they are so talented so the people like you could enjoy it.”

I love Baghdatis and Safin. They are unique personalities. They do not make gestures and mouth off obscenities to the crowd and the fans love them. Also, they don’t make all those rude and boastful statements in their press conferences about the other players. Stop being so subjective and try being objective.

von:
Yes of course marat safin braking a racket is very clasy classier then djokovic behavior and he is gentelmen even though he can not control his anger i just can see why are you beeing so unfair.
And djokovic gestures and mouth off obscenities to the crowd is for himself to get more confidence. And that is what people do when they feel the whole world is against them.
And please wait next grand slams and you will see that you are not right that crowd will love him more than you think, they loved him in US open. This is just coincidence that he played roger in semi and tsonga in final who was an underdog and crowd went for him.

Jane
“I agree Djoker is not a “natural” volleyer, but he won 80% of points there against Tsonga, meaning he is highly competent. And if he continues to work and focus on that area, which I presume he will, I think he could become really good at net, which will mean shorter points and less wear on his body.”

Yah, he is competent at net.. even Rafa is pretty competent at net, cuz even he wins most of the points when comes to net (which is not very often). But they both win it when the point is being played out in their terms.. like on a drop shot or if they had moved the opponent very wide off the court. But that doesnt make them natural volleyers. Djoker or Nadal does a lot of skidding stuff… which certainly doesnt well with volleying.. but is good for running down balls. But then, such movement is again bad for ankles and legs. Am pretty sure he will be down with an injury by the end of this year.

i agree, he could make a nice politicial. And i still maintain that he appears totally fake when he tries to applaud opponents. Anyways… its his moment in limelight now.. let him enjoy it. Lets see how long he can keep it up. If he does… good on him.

“And i still maintain that he appears totally fake when he tries to applaud opponents.”

I agree. The two of us have had posts back and forth with each other and I think by now you know I am not a Fed fan, I like Roddick, Baghdatis, Safin, and a few others. These guys are unique personalities and no pretense about them. They might break racquets, or mutter curse words to themselves but never to the crowd. However, this guy is just out to win a popularity contest and he’ll take it whichever way he can. He is making sure that he’s seen and also heard. I don’t think he realised how much of it would backfire on him.

He had problems with the Aussie crowd at the Hopman Cup, I think one of the fans made a comment loud enough for him to hear about his ball bouncing and he stopped what he was doing and shouted out: “You think you can do better, then come and do it.” Is that stupidity or what.

I don’t understand his bragging about beating Fed in 3 sets — it was not a runaway match, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6, is not a comprehensive win. What Tsonga did to Nadal was a comprehensive win. What I am surprised about is how many of the Fed fans have now switched over their loyalty.

I thought after last night I was done with the subject of Djokovic but then today, I see two hostile and abusive posts to me about Djokovic and it’s begun again.
You stated:”Lets see how long he can keep it up. If he does… good on him.”

Only time will tell. We’ll see when the Master Series begins how well he does and at the French Open. I’ll say this much that he had better learn how to move on the hard courts instead of sliding and dragging his heel as if he is on the clay courts or else he’ll end up with some serious leg and back problems. Pam Shriver at the AO stated that one of his problems with the injury timeout could be the amount of bounces he does and when he is doing it he places his weight on his left leg. From what I see, his bending over so much won’t be good for his back either. However, we’ll just have to wait and see.

“And please wait next grand slams and you will see that you are not right that crowd will love him more than you think…”

I am being polite to you by answering your post, however, this is the last time. You said to wait until the next grand slam, OK, we will all have to wait. If he wins then, you can direct a post to me and I will agree with you, that you were right. So until then … goodbye.

No more the imitator, the player who can take off everyone else’s game so expertly. The only parody that Novak Djokovic performed yesterday was of a grand-slam tournament champion and everything about his victory in the Australian Open – the youngest man to lift the silverware since the tournament moved to a synthetic surface from the grass where it was last played in 1987, the year of his birth – was that of an authentic, striking prince of the courts.

After 3hr 6min, the deed was done. Serbia rule. They may call him “The Djoker”, but this time, his faced wreathed in disbelief and delight, the last laugh was his.
Djoko is the best at moment you may dislike him but you got to admit.

My favourites after Fed are Safin, Baggy, Gasquet and now Tsonga. But out of these 5, Fed is the only guy who is consistent. Safin and Baggy are rythm players.. they take their time to get into rythm, but once they are on song its hard to beat them. Am neutral about Roddick.. but i favour him when he is up against Nadal or Djoker. Nadal.. i still like him except when he is beating the hell out of Fed on clay. But i would mind him getting to No 1… after being close on the heels for 2 years. He certainly deserves it.

Somehow.. Djoker is one person i dislike.. not his game.. but the person himself. I dint like him even when he was No 16 and was faking ijurries in French Open Quarters against Nadal and later claimed he had the upper hand in the match

“Am neutral about Roddick.. but i favour him when he is up against Nadal or Djoker. Nadal.. Am neutral about Roddick.. but i favour him when he is up against Nadal or Djoker. Nadal.. i still like him except when he is beating the hell out of Fed on clay. But i would mind him getting to No 1… after being close on the heels for 2 years. He certainly deserves it.
But i would mind him getting to No 1… after being close on the heels for 2 years. He certainly deserves it.”

I think Roddick will gt back to his previous form. Heis problem is his speed, however, no one can beat him in the serve department. He was great in Davis Cup, he made us proud to be Americans. I think his spirit is broken. He seems to always meet Federer in the semis,or quarters, and a few finals. Had it not been for Fef he would have won more slams.

I like your comment: “Nadal.. i still like him except when he is beating the hell out of Fed on clay.” That’s hillarious. There’s no doubt that you’re a Fed fan. At least you’re loyal not like some of them who switch back and forth.

Yes Von.. am a major Fed fan. Like his game more than anything else. Also like Safin, Baggy (also Tsonga lately) because there great characters on the court. Baggy is always at the losing end of memorable encounters (Agassi at USOpen, Djoker at wimby, Hewitt at AU Open).. i hope he starts winning some of them and get a shot at some GS titles.

Somehow i feel, this year we will have 4 diff grand slam champions. Fed winning either the French or Wimbledon. US Open.. too many challengers and Djokovic’s victory might have just opened the door for them. They would now think… “if Djokovic can win it .. why cant I”… whereas earlier it was only Fed written all over the non-clay GS.

alex: I agree with you about Von. And I have no idea why all propaganda against Novak. I am a good friend of Victor Troicki and I met Novak in person he is lovely person and as victor told me all tennis players nadal, bagdatis, davidenko love him the most on the tour because he is so friendly. Why are these people talking that way. I cant bealive it.

There’s a difference in disliking a person and disliking the person’s behavior. I dislike this person’s behavior. I do not know the person. My dislike is based on the behavior I see emanting from the person. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. It’s called being an adult. Grow up.

“Somehow i feel, this year we will have 4 diff grand slam champions. Fed winning either the French or Wimbledon.”

That’s a possibility. Quite a few of these guys have a lot of points to defend. Winning is sweet, but defending can sometimes be bitter. I think that this year will be very interesting and will have some huge upsets. As I stated before a revolving door in the top 10.

Yeah.. i dont think Fed will lose his No 1 ranking.. he has enuf talent and class to remain there by the year end. And he has been defending points for last 4-5 years. Nadal is also used to this stuff. But i would be surprsied if Baghdatis or Murray or Gasquet could win some Master’s tourneys and probably evan one of the Grand Slams. All three have the game to beat Djoker or Nadal or Federer(less likely).

Baggy needs to work on his game plan, his preparation before going on to the court.

The reason he comes out the losing end of memorable matches is because he goes into them unprepared and has to feel his way into the match, so the matches end up going longer. He needs to come onto the court with a plan and execute and adjust as needed. Then I think we’ll seeing him winning some more.

This contrasts with Murray who is a good tactian. He could, however, be a little more offensive in his play; he was too defensive against Tsogna for the first two sets, and thus got behind. The fact that he could beat Tsonga 6-love in the 3rd suggest to me he could’ve won the match had he started stronger.

As for Gasquet, I don’t know. He confuses me. He’s got talent, but maybe it’s mental with him. At some point, you got to think he’s going to really break through. Maybe if he hadn’t been so tired at the Wimbie semi last year, we’d have seen a different match against him and Fed.

As you know, I am not a Fed-fan, so I am happy to see new players breaking through, but I am by no means writing the champion off. I am sure Federer will win at least one slam this year, but I am not sure which. Could this be his year to win on clay? Maybe. Maybe he’ll win the French and an Olympic medal.

But he definitely has a lot of new challengers (Djoker, Murray, Baggy, Gasquet, Tsonga) and some old ones too (Rafa, Roddick, Safin). So it’ll be an interesting season.

Even though am a huge Fed fan.. i want to see others winning Slams. Love Fed to get the RG this year. Probabaly Gasquet or Murray or Baggy to get wimbledon (Baggy has come close last 2 years reaching semis and quarters, Gasquet always lost to Fed both years). And probabaly Nadal or Safin(yeah.. i want him to win atleast one more) win the US Open.

You are right abt Baggy needing to work on his game plan. And also he thrives a lot on crowd support. Thats why he does well in Australia. But he has the game to win wimbledon because he hits his shot very flat and his angles are amazing

You’re right about Baggy and Wimbie, but even there, I suspect he’ll have to be even *more* prepared this year because Djokovic, who took him out last year, will be looking to shorten points & matches like he did at the AO, and probably playing even better if he’s well and if there aren’t a million rain delays. And Tsonga, Rafa, Murray, and Gasquet should also bring strong games to the grass, I would think. So for Baggy to really get deep again, maybe even the finals,, he’d better do his homework and not only rely on that lovely smile, his God-given talent, and the cheers from the gallery.

I don’t see anyone else winning Wimbledon except Federer, Djokovic or Nadal. Tsonga is amazing player, but I don’t see him doing that well for rest of the year. I’ll be happy if he proves me wrong.
If what Djokovic said it’s true: That he can improve many things in his game, especially the game on the net, I believe he can easily dominate 2008 and 2009.